An orchid which is one of Europe’s most endangered wildflowers has come back from the brink of extinction in England and Wales following years of conservation work.
The rare fen orchid, a small plant with pale yellow blooms, is only found growing wild in Britain in two areas, in Kenfig sand dunes in south Wales and in the fens of the Norfolk Broads.
Numbers dwindled to less than 1,400 plants across the two areas as its habitat deteriorated.
But efforts to restore its dune and fen homes, sustained by long-term funding, have seen its fortunes turned around, wildlife charity Plantlife said.